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KIA SELTOS (2020–2025) — Verified Specs, Fluids & OBD2
Built 2020–2025 · all production years covered on this single page
1.6L I4 Turbo T-GDi • Gasoline
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Kia Seltos (2020–2025) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair cost6.9
Parts & repairability4.8
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & support3.4
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Kia Seltos (2020–2025) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Kia Seltos (2020–2025) is powered by a 1.6L I4 Turbo T-GDi engine. Its OEM tyre size is 215/55 R16. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Engine overheatingFREQUENT
Engine temperature over limits — check coolant level, thermostat and radiator.
Related codes: P0217
Oil pressure sensor: low signalFREQUENT
ECU detects insufficient oil pressure — check oil level and sensor.
Related codes: P0522
Insufficient oil pressureFREQUENT
Oil pressure below critical threshold — stop the engine and check immediately.
Related codes: P0524
Engine control module (PCM) faultFREQUENT
Faulty ECU processor — requires specialist workshop diagnosis.
Related codes: P0606
Throttle actuatorFREQUENT
Throttle actuator motor circuit open — loss of throttle response.
Related codes: P2100
COMMON REPAIRS
Front brake pads
Difficulty: Easy
0.8h
€56 – €72
Rear brake pads
Difficulty: Easy
0.9h
€63 – €81
Engine oil change
Difficulty: Easy
0.3h
€21 – €27
ABS Module
Difficulty: Hard
2.3h
€161 – €206
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
OFFICIAL LABOUR TIMES (OLP)
Standard labour hours from a database of 6.6M+ real shop operations, with an indicative labour-cost estimate for your country.
Brakes8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| ABS Module | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| ABS Pump | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| ABS Tone Ring | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Brake Bleed - All Four | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Brake Booster | 3.5h | € 157–€ 262 |
| Brake Booster Check Valve | 1.2h | € 54–€ 90 |
Cooling8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Coolant Bypass Pipe | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Coolant Flush | 0.9h | € 40–€ 67 |
| Coolant Reservoir | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Coolant Temperature Sensor | 0.6h | € 27–€ 45 |
| Cooling Fan Assembly | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Cooling Fan Clutch | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Cooling Fan Motor | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Cooling Fan Relay | 1.2h | € 54–€ 90 |
Electrical8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airbag - Driver | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Airbag - Passenger | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Airbag - Side | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Airbag Module/Computer | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Alternator | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Alternator Belt | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Amplifier | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Antenna | 0.6h | € 27–€ 45 |
Engine8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Boost Pressure Sensor | 3.5h | € 157–€ 262 |
| Camshaft Position Sensor | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Camshaft R&R | 5.2h | € 234–€ 390 |
| Connecting Rod Bearings | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Crankshaft Position Sensor | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Crankshaft R&R | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Cylinder Head R&R | 5.2h | € 234–€ 390 |
| Cylinder Head Resurface | 5.2h | € 234–€ 390 |
Exhaust8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Injection Check Valve | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Catalytic Converter - California | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| Catalytic Converter - Direct Fit | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| Catalytic Converter - Universal | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| Downpipe | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| EGR Cooler | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| EGR Tube | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| EGR Valve | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
Fuel system8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Charcoal Canister | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| EVAP Purge Valve | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| EVAP Vent Valve | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Fuel Cap | 0.3h | € 13–€ 22 |
| Fuel Filler Neck | 3.5h | € 157–€ 262 |
| Fuel Filter | 0.6h | € 27–€ 45 |
| Fuel Filter - In-Tank | 1.2h | € 54–€ 90 |
| Fuel Injector - Single | 3.5h | € 157–€ 262 |
HVAC8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| AC Accumulator | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| AC Clutch Coil | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| AC Compressor | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| AC Compressor Clutch | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| AC Compressor Oil Add | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| AC Condenser | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| AC Evaporator | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| AC Expansion Valve (TXV) | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
Steering8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Center Link/Drag Link | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Electric Power Steering Module | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Electric Power Steering Motor | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Idler Arm | 1.2h | € 54–€ 90 |
| Pitman Arm | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Power Steering Fluid Flush | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| Power Steering Gear Box | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| Power Steering Hose - High Pressure | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
Suspension8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Line | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Air Spring/Air Bag | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Air Suspension Compressor | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Air Suspension Height Sensor | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Air Suspension Valve Block | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Ball Joint - Lower | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Ball Joint - Upper | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| Ball Joints - Upper and Lower | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
Transmission8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kickdown Cable | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Neutral Safety Switch | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Overdrive Solenoid | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Shift Cable | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Shift Linkage | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Shift Solenoid - Single | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Shift Solenoids - All | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Torque Converter | 5.2h | € 234–€ 390 |
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
📋 RECALLS & TSB (4)
NHTSA 23V531000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Fluid/Lubricant › Pump
Date: 31/07/2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
NHTSA 23V830000
Air Bags
Date: 22/12/2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.
NHTSA 25V099000
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical
Date: 17/02/2025
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
NHTSA 21V259000
Engine
Date: 13/04/2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1
Powertrain
P0171
System Too Lean Bank 1
Powertrain
P0300
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
Powertrain
P0441
EVAP Incorrect Purge Flow
Powertrain
P0128
Coolant Thermostat Below Regulating Temperature
Powertrain
P0455
EVAP System Leak Detected (Gross Leak)
Powertrain
P0700
Transmission Control System (MIL Request)
Powertrain
P0507
Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
Powertrain
P0174
System Too Lean Bank 2
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P1123
powertrain
MODERATEP1693
powertrain
MODERATEP1611
powertrain
LOWP1586
powertrain
MODERATEP1307
powertrain
LOWP1295
powertrain
HIGHP1147
powertrain
HIGHP1118
powertrain
HIGHP1166
powertrain
MODERATEP1505
powertrain
MODERATEP1124
powertrain
MODERATEP1608
powertrain
CRITICALP1151
powertrain
HIGHP1440
powertrain
LOWP1110
powertrain
HIGHP1506
powertrain
MODERATEP1523
powertrain
LOWP1155
powertrain
HIGHP1134
powertrain
MODERATEP1111
powertrain
LOW
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
56 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
LDWS Fault (Kia)ADAS
AEB Fault (Kia)ADAS
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
Drive Mode (Kia)Engine
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
476 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Kia Seltos across model years 2020–2025. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
21 crash reports 8 fires 13 injuries
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 2021322
Model year 202264
Model year 202342
Model year 202439
Model year 20259
Most reported components (all years)
Engine218
Electrical System74
Unknown Or Other73
Power Train71
Engine And Engine Cooling46
Fuel/Propulsion System18
Sample reports
My Seltos transmission heats up to such an extent that I have to get out of the car and park it for 45 minutes to have it cooled down. Has only 25k miles in it. Took to the dealership and they say nothing is wrong. Numerous reported issu… (MY 2022)
My 2021 Kia seltos has a flashing engine light and when put on a code reader it indicates a misfire/ piston. This has been going for two weeks . My engine is a 2.0 and the recall for this vehicle has the same incident as mine. The en… (MY 2021)
My 2022 KIA Seltos with 52000 miles shut down on me completely in the middle of a road while I was going full speed limit causing the car behind me promptly to change lanes to avoid the collision. It happened 2 more times until I got to… (MY 2022)
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after every 1000-miles of driving, she had to add 1 quart of engine oil to the engine. The vehicle wa… (MY 2021)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 2020–2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Kia Seltos have any safety recalls?
Yes — 4 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0003 mean on the Kia Seltos?
Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Low This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0002 mean on the Kia Seltos?
Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0001 mean on the Kia Seltos?
Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/Open This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are transmission problems common on the Kia Seltos?
Yes — 56 of 467 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the transmission. One owner reported: “Shuddered into limp mode at a stop sign. Has a sever shudder that throws it into limp mode, loses ability to drive in reverse and then loses ability to drive at all. Has issues shifting gears while dr…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Kia Seltos?
Yes — 182 of 467 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “The engine catastrophically failed on an 45 mph road. There was no warning leading up to this incident at any time previously. The engine lost all power and the car shut off on this road. My husband w…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are engine problems common on the Kia Seltos?
Yes — 279 of 467 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “This vehicle burns oil excessively. From everything I've seen says this should be under recall but the Kia dealership tells me it's not because it's over 60,000 miles and I'm the second owner. They of…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
What tyres does the Kia Seltos (2020–2025) use?
The original OEM tyre size for the Kia Seltos (2020–2025) is 215/55 R16. Compatible alternative sizes: ["215/55R18", "215/60R17", "245/45R19", "205/65R16", "225/50R18"]. See the Tyres section on this page to compare offers from the main suppliers.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Kia Seltos (2020–2025)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Kia Seltos (2020–2025) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Kia Seltos (2020–2025) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Bookmark this page to consult it at the workshop or when buying parts. TroubleAtlas updates its technical data continuously — check back for new information on the Kia Seltos (2020–2025).